Grape crop destroyed in the var.

Around 6-thousand hectares of grapes have been destroyed by hail storms in the Var. The violent storm hit late Sunday, devastating between 70 and 100% of the crop. The grapes were destined to make this year’s Cote de Provence, Coteaux Varois and Vins de Pays. The storm was focused on the centre of the Var, around the Brignole area, and effecting between 30 and 40 independent vineyards. The Prefect of the Var will tour the devastated area today, and meet this morning with local industry representatives. Further violent hail storms were expected in the area last night. (source: Riviera Radio News)

Local news from the French Riviera

GP bomb scare - There’s been a dramatic start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend with a bomb scare outside the Formula One Paddock. A bomb disposal expert undertook a controlled explosion of a suspect package. A small white plastic box was found outside the entrance to the media centre, the Salle d'Exposition, near the Rascasse yesterday evening. The area was then sealed off, before the bomb disposal expert decided the package was suspect. The controlled explosion left shards of white plastic strewn across the floor. Monaco track action - Although there is no Formula One action today, other cars will be on the track, which was closed to traffic at 6am. GP3 qualifying is from 7.40 to 8.15; and Porsche Supercup qualifying is between 9.00 and 9.45. The first races of the weekend are from 10.30 to 11.35, for GP2. The GP3 race is on 12.30 and 1.05.The track reopens to traffic at 2.30.

Rally car tests - The results of a technical examination of a rally car involved in last weekend’s fatal crash in the Var are expected next week. The vehicle which was taking part in the Rally des Maures has been taken to Paris to be tested. The driver claims the brakes on the vehicle failed, before he ploughed into the crowd at Plan de la Toure. A 20-year-old spectator and a 65-year-old race marshall were killed and 19 other people injured. This week the parents of one of those killed launched a civil case accusing the driver of “involuntary homicide”.

Mayor’s wedding crackdown - The Nice Mayor is planning to ban noisy or rowdy weddings at the Town Hall. Christian Estrosi has banned the exhibition of foreign flags, unauthorized folk music performances, and any other demonstrative acts. He says wedding parties will also be prevented from disrupting traffic around the Town Hall and along the Promenade des Anglais. The new laws come into force from 1 June. During the summer months there can be between 25 and 30 marriages every Saturday at the Nice Town Hall.

AMFAR gala night - Nearly 10-million euros was raised at last night’s AMFAR Aids gala held at the Hotel Eden Roc on the Cap d’Antibes. Among the A-list stars in attendance were Alec Baldwin, Antonio Banderas, co-host Kylie Minogue, and Karl Largerfeld. At the celebrity auction 320-thousand euros was paid for a collection of 25 little black dresses; 65-thousand for an Andy Warhol print; and 350-thousand for a photo session with Karl Lagerfeld.

Weather 
Sunny spells, with the chance of showers in Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes. Mostly fine for the Var. Light easterly winds. Temperatures: 21 – 27°. Overnight: cloudy, 14 – 16°.

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Cannes Film Festival 2012 News

Local News at the French Riviera

Beach clean up -  In Antibes, municipal employees spent several hours cleaning jellyfish from the towns beaches. Hundreds of small blue jellyfish were washed up on beaches at Salis and La Ponteuil last weekend giving off a pungent smell. The beaches are now clean again and ready for sun lovers.


May Day Parade - Trade unions say 7,000 people have taken part in the traditional 1st of May parade in Nice. Activists gathered opposite the Theatre de Verdure on Tuesday morning. The march moved along the Promenade des Anglais to the Negresco Hotel before a gathering on the Place Garibaldi.
Unions are calling for an end to government austerity, respect of workers right and a pay increase for public sector workers. In Toulon organisers say around 3,000 people took part in the May Day march. Police put the figure nearer to 1,500.

Var accident - 6 people have been injured, one seriously in an accident near the Pinede campsite in Grimaud in the Var.
It’s not yet clear what caused the accident which happened on Tuesday afternoon. A helicopter was called to the scene to airlift the badly injured person to hospital.

Stabbing - A 20 year old man is recovering in Toulon hospital this morning after being stabbed in the early hours of the May Day bank holiday. Gendarmes say the incident occurred at an open air party in Pierrefeu. The man was stabbed twice in the abdomen. Officers are still searching for the perpetrator. Enquires continue.

Flooding - Heavy rain early on Tuesday has left some rivers in the Var dangerously high.
Authorities in Montaroux were forced to close the RD37 after a stream burst its banks and flooded part of the road.
Water evels are now falling along the River Siagne in the area between Callian and Montaroux but authorities remain on alert.